The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System announces the grand reopening of the newly renovated and expanded 56,000-square-foot Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History, which will reopen to the public with a celebration on Thursday, August 4 at 10:30 a.m.

This is the first of two library expansions to open as part of Phase I of the Library Building Program.

The renovation and expansion of the Auburn Avenue Research Library transforms the library into a unique, welcoming destination that promotes Africana history, cultures and legacies. Moving public programs from the upper levels down to the street level provides the catalyst for establishing three important connections:

Connection to Place: the lobby and galleries engage the street, firmly marking the library’s place in the heart of the Sweet Auburn district and Atlanta’s urban core.

Connection to Institutional Heritage: the new auditorium will serve as an anchor for the community.

In November 2008, Fulton County voters passed the Library Bond Referendum which will greatly enhance all of the county’s libraries, and includes 8 new branch libraries and 2 expansion projects, as well as renovation of the remaining 24 libraries.